# NTSB DEN85LA187: Piper PA-28-181, N3030Z, Kiowa, CO, July 13, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1985, 18:58 local (Jul 13, 1985, 00:58 UTC)
- Place: Kiowa, CO
- Coordinates: 39.339076, -104.459991 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.3391&lon=-104.4600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN85LA187
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN85LA187

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TELEPHONE WIRE AND CRASHED. THE PLT ADMITTED HE HAD BEEN FLYING OVER A BOY SCOUT RANCH AT 7500 FT MSL (ABOUT 500 FT AGL). HE COULD NOT RECALL ANY OTHER DETAILS. ONE WITNESS SAID HE SAW THE ACFT CROSS IN FRONT OF HIS PICKUP TRUCK AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL AND IT APPEARED TO HIM THAT THE PLT 'WIG-WAGGED HIS WINGS'.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3030Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3030Z-1986-07-07), registration cancelled 1986-07-07, S/N 28-7990410 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287990410
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Associates Flying Club
- Registered owner: Thomas J. Daly
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 29, 1985, 8,293 hours before
- Departed: APA, ENGLEWOOD, CO

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 355 total, 1 in this make and model, 286 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: APA, 22 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850713030959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850713030959A), Jul 13, 1985: Piper PA28181, Kiowa, CO, Destroyed. Struck wires and ground while flying at low altitude. No details recalled by pilot. Blood alcohol undetermined.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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